Torn tendon

Bill Froog

OK, this one's for all you doctors out there. I managed to tear a tendon in my shoulder about 5 years ago and had an MRI scan last year which concluded that:
"there is a degenerative change in the supraspinatus tendon witha a small partial thickness tear extending to the articular surface. There are minor degenerative changes around the acromioclavicular joint with a mild degree of impingement on the subacromial space."

I stayed off the weights for a few years, then started up again last July. I was making quite good progression - slow & steady. One of my goals was to build up all the shoulder muscles to support the torn tendon. Recently though, my shoulder has become increasingly painful, to the extent that I feel some action must be taken. My GP has offered to give me a cortisone injection, but I can't see that helping - other than offering temporary relief from pain and swelling. I've heard it can also weaken the tendon.
As far as I can tell, the only way to repair the tendon is surgery. Perhaps an arthroscopy to remove some of the impinging acromion while repairing the tear in the tendon.
Does anyone have a clue what I'm on about ? If so , and you have some degree of expertise/experience with this sort of injury, please let me know your thoughts.